What it means
A confined space is big enough for a person to enter, has limited ways in or out, and wasn't built for someone to work in all day. Tanks, vaults, pits, silos, manholes and some ducts are common examples.
Some confined spaces carry serious hazards, such as bad air, engulfment or moving parts. Those are often treated as permit-required spaces, with a written program that covers things like testing the air, rescue plans, attendants and who may enter.
Rules for confined spaces differ by industry. Check the current rule that applies to your work, and follow your site's own entry procedure. Never enter on your own.
Why it matters
Confined spaces can turn deadly fast, and the first person in trouble is often followed by the people who try to help. That's why sites plan the rescue before anyone goes in. It's also why a trained attendant stays outside.
What it looks like on a site
- Spaces are identified, labeled or listed so a worker knows before walking up to one.
- Entry runs through a permit, issued by someone your procedure authorizes.
- An attendant stays outside, and a rescue plan exists before entry, not after a problem.
- Atmosphere testing and ventilation follow the site's procedure and the current rule.
- Entrants and attendants are trained for their roles, and training records are kept.
This is general information, not legal advice. Check the current rule and your own procedures. Back to the glossary